The wisdom from above !

The desert rose above tells its story of its presence in our garden. From flowers to new buds, it lives its cycle in the garden!

The presence of purpose !

This scene represented by photos taken at different times during a month brought a thought to my mind. I noticed the desert rose only when it was flowering. For most part of the year it is present and not not noticed ! It receives its regular attention from the domestic helper who waters it and mares it . 

Its purpose is ti bring forth flowers!

 

In the epistle of James in the New Testament of the Bible, there is a reference to wisdom (James 3:13-18). 'Who among you is wise and understanding?  Let him show by his good behaviour his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom' (v13). 

The reference to 'good behaviour in the gentleness of wisdom' stayed with me during the day after gathering the above photographs from the collections of the month. 

It was while at a meeting last week, I felt even more challenged by the phrase 'gentleness of wisdom'! When some matters came up for discussion, there were couple of people who chose to speak in an exhorting manner, whose words fell to my ears as gentle and intentionally upbuilding. Their thoughts and language were edifying. They spoke mindfully of the listeners. They represented a soulful view of the issues under discussion and lifted the discussion level to a new perspective which was good for all. Their depth of perception drew us to a deeper level of consciousness about what needed attention. They seemed to have listened to their inner voice before they articulated it as thoughts. The voice within is the 'gentleness of wisdom', 'from above, first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy' (v 18). They did not just respond to the ongoing discussion, but drew us to a larger and deeper issue at stake! They were not responders but initiators to lead us beyond the superficial! The effect of listening to words of wisdom, is that we would feel carried to a new level of seeing to discern and feeling to respond heartily!

It was while returning from the meeting, I read the passage from the Bible to get a glimpse of the truth in any conversation and behaviour as a reflection of the 'wisdom from above'!

The desert  rose flourishes in the garden to bring its flowers in due season. Its purpose is to give forth flowers which have a distinct colour and pleasing appearance. 

The thoughts and language in communication when upbuilding in effect, would be carrying the 'wisdom from above' !

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)